Who should buy the ammo

Well-Known Member

I got a friend that's visiting his family here in Oregon and he asked if I could take him and his wife to shoot gun for the first time. Now should I provide the ammo or is it only fair that I tell him to buy the ammo? He doesn't even have a car to get around so I might have to pick them up also. He is a good friend of mine but ammo isn't cheap either if I were providing ammo. If they just wanted to shoot 22's no problem I got that covered but he is going for the bigger caliber's...

ModeratorStaff Member

Just tell him like it is. Ammo is expensive for the larger stuff so if he wants to shoot it he needs to pitch in. Especially if he plans on an all day event. I reload so it isnt that bad for me to supply it but store bought can add up pretty quick.

Well-Known Member

I always pay for ammo for first time shooters. Just my rule. We shoot lots of .22 as it's cheap and a bit of other calibers to give an introduction. First time users are impressed by .22 and the whole experience. No need to spend lots on other calibers.

Well-Known Member

You buy the ammo, so your guns are fed with what you want them to eat but let your buddy chip in. But for 22 I wouldn't bother. Let him bring snacks and drinks and a six pack for after the shooting and you're even.

First timers, I'd say stick to 22 as well. My first time shooting was fairly recent, so I can recall , and I had to get used to the flash and the bang. 22LR provides that as well. Or give your friend a single round in a big gun and let him take out his shoulder and step back to the 22. It's a few bucks on 50bmg, but so be it.

Active Member

Personally I'd buy the ammo but if it's that tight for you just take him with you when you pick up the ammo. Tell him what you can afford but that he's welcome to pitch in to get more. That or just tell him you can't really afford ammo right now, other than 22 LR, but will let him shoot what he can buy.

Active Member

Personally I'd buy the ammo but if it's that tight for you just take him with you when you pick up the ammo. Tell him what you can afford but that he's welcome to pitch in to get more. That or just tell him you can't really afford ammo right now, other than 22 LR, but will let him shoot what he can buy.

Click to expand...

Perfect! I don't get cheap with my friends, but I can't afford to go buy a few hundred bucks worth of ammo. Take him with you to get the ammo and do just as above says, it's great taking friends out shooting but it is what it is and ammo ain't cheap.

Well-Known Member

Personally I'd buy the ammo but if it's that tight for you just take him with you when you pick up the ammo. Tell him what you can afford but that he's welcome to pitch in to get more. That or just tell him you can't really afford ammo right now, other than 22 LR, but will let him shoot what he can buy.

Click to expand...

With all due respect, it doesn't matter if it's gas money, food, bait, or ammo. If you expect someone to chip in, let them know before you head out. I don't think it's fair for someone to ask for money at the last minute, especially if you know they don't have much. If you want someone to help out, let them know when you invite them.

Well-Known Member

I agree with most here. I have inlaws that come from out of town every year that are 10 years younger than me and I take them shooting and fishing every time. If you do not have the funds then you would not be asking the question as it would be a no brainer that you just could not afford to pay for the outing.

When the fam comes into town I just stock up on some decent reasonably cheap ammo because I really do not want them going to walmart and bringing out the 8 dollar a box tull ammo to put through my guns. Besides that...its once a year. Show your friend a good time. Karma is sweet brother.

Polymer Prom QueenSilver Supporter

Start off with lots of the .22 stuff - finish the day off with a box or two of the big calibers. If he can pitch in $20, that's 2-4 boxes of 9mm from Wal Mart, depending on what you are willing to buy. (Cheap, steel cased russian stuff for $5 a box, or cheap, brass cased American ammo for $10 a box)

Let them get the fundamentals down with the .22's - his wife will probably be more happy starting with something without a lot of felt recoil anyway. And .22's are confidence builders for new shooters.

If you can, I'd take some sort of metal target so they get the "ping" sound for instant auditory feedback that "yes, I hit it!" instead of squinting at a black and white piece of paper.

Well-Known Member

I'm willing to spend some dough, but there's two of them not including me. How much to spend is where I'm stuck, I don't want them to feel like they're limited cause I do want them to have a good time but I don't want to break the bank either...

AK's all day.Bronze Supporter

I used to havethat mentality, but it never convinced nonfirearm folks to get into shooting. They had a blast and I've taken said people and others out shooting many times but in the end it burned a huge hole in my pocket. Semi auto .308s have a huge wow factor but even tula and brown bear gets pricy over time, also he's the one who's gotta spend the time and if need be money to clean them after.. So he's out money there too and thats not counting gas either.
Thus I only let my immediate family and my woman shoot for free. Perhaps some friends but if they don't have the good conscience to realize how much it actually costs for a nice range day then they don't deserve my good will and giving graces.
May sound cheap but if they don't have my back or if they aren't thankful why keep giving? I could spend that money on more ammo, magazines, firearms, vodka or strippers.

Well-Known Member

I got a friend that's visiting his family here in Oregon and he asked if I could take him and his wife to shoot gun for the first time. Now should I provide the ammo or is it only fair that I tell him to buy the ammo? He doesn't even have a car to get around so I might have to pick them up also. He is a good friend of mine but ammo isn't cheap either if I were providing ammo. If they just wanted to shoot 22's no problem I got that covered but he is going for the bigger caliber's...

Click to expand...

if he asked then he should at least help with the ammo if not buy it all for everyone.

Platinum SupporterPlatinum SupporterGold Supporter2018 Volunteer

If I was your friend you wouldn't be HAVING this dilemma. It doesn't matter if I'm invited or if I initiate something like a get together of any venue, I ALWAYS offer and almost always insist in making a contribution (when its refused by the host) . Fortunately those I associate with on a regular basis share the same ethos... else I'd be a happy hermit.

Well-Known Member

If I was your friend you wouldn't be HAVING this dilemma. It doesn't matter if I'm invited or if I initiate something like a get together of any venue, I ALWAYS offer and almost always insist in making a contribution (when its refused by the host . Fortunately those I associate with on a regular basis share the same ethos... else I'd be a happy hermit.

Well-Known Member

I got a friend that's visiting his family here in Oregon and he asked if I could take him and his wife to shoot gun for the first time. Now should I provide the ammo or is it only fair that I tell him to buy the ammo? He doesn't even have a car to get around so I might have to pick them up also. He is a good friend of mine but ammo isn't cheap either if I were providing ammo. If they just wanted to shoot 22's no problem I got that covered but he is going for the bigger caliber's...

Click to expand...

For me:
.22 = I cover it.
.223 = I cover it for about 50rnds (3 mags)
9mm = I cover it for about 50rnds (3-4 mags)
.40 = I cover it for about 50rnds (3 mags)

.308 = not fired with guests unless we shop jointly and I point out what's ok for my particular firearms. (FAL is very different than 5R-Remington). There is also the conversation of "Hey, this is what I'm bringing for you to shoot. If you want to shoot more, we'll need to stop so you can get some ammo. What do you think?"

Emphasis more on .22 for control, minimal fear factor for first time shooters = more time & less $$ in ammo.

I have found for me, this seems to strike a balance between accommodating friends and not feeling like i'm burning $$. The reloading helps

WELCOME!

Northwest Firearms provides a place for gun owners of Oregon, Washington, and Idaho a place to converse,
organize, learn, educate, trade, and most importantly, work together to preserve our Second Amendment rights.

Participation is completely free and registration takes only a few moments.

About Northwest Firearms

We believe the 2nd Amendment is best defended through grass-roots organization, education, and advocacy centered around individual gun owners. It is our mission to encourage, organize, and support these efforts throughout Oregon, Washington, and Idaho.